Golden State Warriors Honor Assistant Coach in Emotional Return to the Court
By Lauren Baxter
Published January 25, 2024
The Golden State Warriors made an emotional return to the court after a nine-day hiatus following the passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojević. The team faced the challenge of coping with the loss as they prepared to play their first game since Milojević's death at the age of 46.
Coach Kerr's Encouragement
Head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the difficulty of the situation and encouraged his team to immerse themselves in the game. He praised the players for their efforts to transition back to playing and expressed his belief that taking the court was the best way for the team to divert their minds from the grief they had experienced.
Unity and Tribute
Before the game, both the Warriors and the Atlanta Hawks stood together wearing shirts with the Serbian word 'Brate,' meaning 'brother,' in honor of Milojević. The shirts also featured a heart with Milojević's initials and nickname. The team will continue to wear a jersey patch with the same logo for the remainder of the season as a tribute to their beloved assistant coach.
Heartfelt Remembrance
Coach Kerr led the fans in honoring Milojević by requesting an ovation instead of a moment of silence. The crowd honored Milojević with a heartfelt ovation, followed by the Serbian national anthem as a tribute to his heritage.
Emotional Testimony
Former Yugoslavian native Dario Saric fondly remembered Milojević as a mentor and older brother figure. He shared Milojević's positive yet candid nature and the impact he had on his life and career.
Touching Gestures
The Warriors players removed their tribute jerseys and placed them on the seat that Milojević used to occupy, accompanied by a white rose. Milojević's family, including his wife and children, were present to witness the team's touching tribute.
Unwavering Support
The team and individuals, such as Klay Thompson, demonstrated their unwavering support for Milojević's family. Thompson spent time with Milojević's son, expressing his love and gratitude for the impact that Milojević had on his life and the team.
Embracing Grief
The Warriors team and staff embraced each other before the game, visibly moved by their grief. Despite the tears and emotional weight, they followed Coach Kerr's advice to immerse themselves in the game, a fitting tribute to Milojević's spirit.
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